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Full Service Law Firm | Michael Best & Friedrich LLP

Specializing in the Intersection of Business &amp; Government

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Chuck represents clients in all phases of intellectual property law. In addition to vigorous and effective litigation, he helps them obtain, maintain, assess, and enforce ownership of valuable intellectual assets in the U.S. and worldwide.

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Chuck has represented, among others, makers of medical and dental devices, commercial furniture, industrial ovens, packaging and packaging machinery, computer designed metal alloys, sporting goods, consumer electronic accessories, and toys. His clients appreciate his experienced practical approach to legal matters and his understanding of their business needs.

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Chuck has been lead trial and appellate counsel in hundreds of lawsuits involving patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and unfair competition in federal and state courts across the United States. He also regularly acts as a neutral in intellectual property cases and has attended many mediations on behalf of clients.

A frequent lecturer on IP and related issues, Chuck’s regional and national recognitions include ranking as a top Chicago lawyer by The Wall Street Journal. Managing Intellectual Property Magazine named him an IP Star since 2015.

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Successfully represented clients in bench and jury trials and appeals before federal and state courts and U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) tribunals, including the Federal Circuit and the Second, Seventh, and Eleventh Circuits

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Recently obtained a dismissal for lack of personal jurisdiction in his successful defense of a pizza manufacturer in a case filed by a competitor in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida

Recently obtained an early dismissal of a design patent infringement case brought in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against his client, a specialty products manufacturer, thereby achieving a successful outcome without costly discovery proceedings and trial

Acted as lead counsel in obtaining a successful settlement of a utility patent infringement case brought on behalf of his client, an oral health products company, in the U.S. District Court of Illinois in which the defendant asserted a trademark infringement counterclaim.

Successfully defended an attack initiated in the USPTO by a competitor against the client’s patent relating to a process for manufacturing interdental picks

Acted as lead counsel in prosecuting copyright infringement suits for a well-known performance rights organization in U.S. district courts throughout Illinois

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Involved in a number of noteworthy trademark cases in the Courts of Appeal, including:

Involved in other noteworthy patent, copyright and trademark cases, such as:

Charles A. Laff

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Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 List

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Insights

Michael Best Attorneys Earn Recognition in The Best Lawyers in America 2026 List

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